Welcome to Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, a podcast dedicated to the art and practice of teaching singers. Host David Sisco knits together current research from a plethora of fields to highlight a student-centered, culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach to teaching, which gives singers agency over their vocal expression and buoys teacher well-being. Each episode, David will be joined by a special guest, who will share their wholehearted knowledge about the student-teacher relationship ...
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David Sisco Podcasts
Your weekly dash of voice science, pedagogy, and pop culture.
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Ep. 21 - "The Teaching Artist" with Anthony Turner
56:11
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56:11On this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I have a far-ranging conversation with my dear colleague Anthony Turner about what it means to be a teaching artist. Anthony opens up about his life, his training, and what he's curious about these days. There are plenty of insights (not to mention lots of laughs) in this episode. I'm so pleased to sh…
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Anne Slovin: Disability Informed Pedagogy
54:42
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54:42Today Prof. Pigott and Dr. P were joined by Dr. Anne Slovin to discuss her dissertation work on disability informed practices in our teaching. It is vital that we all become more informed about best practices for how to be aware for our students in the classroom and voice studio. Creating an accommodating environment for all should be a goal that e…
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The Bound Breath: Chest Binding and Singing
52:40
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52:40#VocalFam, this week Prof. Pigott, Alice, and Dr. P were joined by an esteemed group of colleagues including Devin Dolquist, Victoria Vargas, Shayna Isaacs, and André Chiang to discuss their Journal of Voice article "The Bound Breath: Transmasculine and Gender Nonconforming Singers' Perceived Effects of Chest Binding on Singing." This affirming epi…
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Ep. 20 - "Fat Liberation in the Voice Studio" with Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson & Kate Rosen
1:04:54
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1:04:54On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson and Kate Rosen about Fat Liberation in the Voice Studio. I am so grateful to both Elizabeth and Kate for being so open and offering actionable steps for supporting all bodies in the studio. I personally took so much from this episode and hope you will as well…
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Kayla Gautereaux: Scientific Method Informed Voice Teaching
58:52
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58:52Professor Gautereaux joins the 5-timers club. Longtime #VocalFam Kayla Gautereaux joined us for an awesome chat about how she is using the framework of the scientific method in the applied voice studio both for current voice teachers and for training voice teachers. This episode demonstrates Prof. G's wonderful mastery of conceptualizing new models…
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A Fall VocalFri in house. Dr. P catches us up on his upcoming Faculty Tuesday recital titled "Amok Time," and catches Sarah up on the ongoing tech upgrades and updates for the Berton Coffin Voice Lab at CU. A great chat to enjoy on Fall hike this weekend!By VocalFri LLC
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Ep. 19 - "Culturally-Responsive Teaching" with Dr. Noélia Luna Archambeault de Hernández
43:23
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43:23On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Noélia Luna Archambealt de Hernández about the power of culturally-responsive teaching in the voice studio. She shares some very insightful examples of how we can engage this teaching modality in a way that supports student growth. Noélia's Contact Information: Website: https://w…
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#VocalFam this is a must listen for those of you who are either interested in voice registration or who want to know more about Complete Vocal Technique (CVT). Today, Alice, Sarah, and Dr. P were joined by Dr. Mathias Aaen, a certified CVT voice teacher, but also the head of CVT's voice research efforts. Mathias has already put together quite the s…
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What a lovely chat with #VocalFam Dr. Brian Manternach discussing his new book Voices of Influence. The new book shares some of the wisdom he learned from one of his mentor's Robert J. Harrison, along with how Brian's teaching has evolved on its own journey. This wonderful new addition to our literature shares Brian's insight into the singer and vo…
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Body Based Voice Ped with Jeremy Ryan Mossman
50:14
50:14
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50:14#VocalFam, we have admired Jeremy Ryan Mossman's work from a far for many years now. Dr. P loves the way he discusses the integrated body. This is an episode for all practitioners to learn more about how to speak about the body as an wholistic system, learn about fascia, Jeremy's study of Feldenkreis, and how we incorporate these ideas with our stu…
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Ep. 18 - "Practicing Self-Care" with David Sisco
25:36
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25:36In this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, David takes a thoughtful dive into the science behind self-care—and why it's not just beneficial, but essential for voice teachers. Drawing from current research, we’ll unpack the proven benefits of meditation, journaling, boundary-setting, and strategies for cultivating a healthier work-life balance.…
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Cuban Art Song Project: Isabella Lamadriz and Jon Price
52:45
52:45
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52:45#VocalFam we continue to try to promote diversity in our art song canon with a special guests Isabella Lamadriz and Jon Price from the Cuban Art Song Project. An awesome chat about Isabella's journey into this music, from her classical background. And while these are art songs, as you'll hear in the samples, this music goes way beyond traditional a…
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David Sisco: Whole Hearted Voice Pedagogy
53:12
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53:12David Sisco returns to share his new book Whole Hearted Voice Pedagogy. As voice teachers we all need to continue our paths towards student centered learning and empathy. David's book, podcast, and this episode should definitely be a part of your new school year journey! Come join the #VocalFam!By VocalFri LLC
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Ep. 17 - "Artistry in Western Classical Music" with Elizabeth Mondragon
55:24
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55:24On this episode of the podcast, we continue our conversation about artistry, this time focusing on it from the perspective of Western classical music. My very special guest is my dear friend and colleague, Elizabeth Mondragon, an in-demand DC-based mezzo soprano. I have written more art song for Elizabeth than any other singer. She is innately musi…
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Welcome back #VocalFam! Today we reviewed our summer's that were in lighting rounds. On the docket and in order we covered: Upcoming season 9 guests. Voice Foundation, ICVT, the Renee Fleming escapade Then we wrapped up with summer pop culture lighting rounds: Andor, Daredevil, Fallout, Mission Impossible 9, Doctor Who, and wrapped it up with revie…
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Ep. 16 - "Equity-Centered Teaching" with Alex Shevrin Venet
37:19
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37:19In this episode of the podcast, we focus on equity-centered teaching and how it intersects with trauma-informed practices. Our special guest is Alex Shevrin Venet, who is an educator and professional development facilitator. She is also the author of Equity-Centered Trauma Informed Education and Becoming an Everyday Changemaker. Alex Shevrin Venet'…
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Ep. 15 - "Queering Vocal Pedagogy" with Dr. William Sauerland
50:23
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50:23On this episode, we consider ways to co-create safe, student-centered learning spaces for transgender and genderqueer students. My special guest is Dr. William Sauerland, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies for the School of Music at Purdue University Fort Wayne. He is the author of Queering Vocal Pedagogy (Roman & Littlefie…
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Ep. 14 - "Sex Hormones and the Singer" with Dr. Vindhya Khare
48:23
48:23
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48:23In this episode, we discuss the importance of continuing to expand our island of knowledge as voice teachers. My very special guest is Dr. Vindhya Khare, who teaches me a tremendous amount about female sex hormones and their impacts on the singing voice. I am so grateful for her vulnerability and tremendous knowledge, and can affirm you will learn …
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Ep. 13 - "The Book Launch Episode" with Justin Petersen, Dr. Felix Graham, Dr. Luvada Harrison, and Adalynn Eller
58:32
58:32
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58:32Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy has officially been published by Routledge Press and is now available wherever books are sold! To celebrate, I had some wonderful conversations with previous guests Justin Petersen and Dr. Felix Graham, my colleague Dr. Luvada Harrison, and former student, Adalynn Eller. Listen to find out more about what's in the book a…
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Ep. 12 - "Lessons Learned" with host David Sisco
27:47
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27:47In this last episode before my book release, I share three lessons I learned while researching, writing, and trying to get the book published. No guests this week—it's just you and me. I hope this story inspires your own journey toward creativity, passion, and truth. David Sisco's Contact Information: www.davidsisco.com Stay engaged!! Subscribe to …
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Ep. 11 - "Trauma-Informed Care in the Voice Studio" with Megan Durham
53:27
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53:27What is trauma? How do we assess trauma and activate a trauma-informed response? And how do we balance this with self-care? In this episode, I have a wonderfully rich conversation with voice teacher and vocologist Megan Durham about engaging trauma-informed care in the voice studio. Megan shares some fantastic resources and insights. See show notes…
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Ep. 10 - "Exploring Artistry with the Student" with Amer Khosla
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50:50In this episode, I have an in-depth conversation with Amer Khosla, whom I had the pleasure of working with while he completed his degree at NYU Gallatin, and now as a singer/songwriter based in India. Amer and I discuss how to help students explore artistry through the lens of his own evolution as a performer and creator. Amer Khosla's Contact Info…
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Season 8 concludes with a message of hope. During the first 20 minutes we encouraged the #VocalFam to give singers, voice teachers, and our entire community some grace and understanding after last week's Cynthia Erivo video situation. Then, Dr. P encouraged us, despite the times, to work to build student resilience by incorporating more hopefulness…
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Ep. 9 - "Setting Healthy Boundaries with Students" with Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz
48:23
48:23
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48:23In this episode, I talk to Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz, author of Connected Teaching, about the importance of setting healthy, flexible boundaries with students. Using the framework of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), Dr. Schwartz offers helpful ways to think about the student-teacher relationship and offers real-life examples of how boundaries and cl…
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Ep. 8 - "Curiosity" with Maurice Goodwin, SLP
39:00
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39:00Curiosity is central to our work as voice teachers. But how do we express curiosity and encourage students to engage their own? How can it create a value added in the voice studio? Join me for a great conversation with Maurice Goodwin, SLP who illuminates how curiosity can be useful in both clinical and academic arenas. Maurice Goodwin's Contact In…
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Emily Siar: Singer Attitudes of Voice Impairment
52:26
52:26
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52:26#VocalFam, today we are joined by Dr. Emily Siar to discuss her dissertation research surveying and interviewing singers who have been through voice health issues. Removing the stigma around voice health has been a VocalFri mission for many years now. Please check out Emily's website, linked above, and the BoCo Vocal Pedagogy Professional Workshop,…
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We had our first in house episode in a few months with Prof. Pigott, Dr. P, and Alice. We finally got a report on Little Women from Sarah. We covered how Sarah and Nick's undergrad practicum are going this semester. Then we had a lively conversation about graduate practicum that led into the difference between knowledge curation and knowledge creat…
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Ep. 7 - "Selecting Repertoire with the Student" with Zipporah Peddle & Paul M. Patinka
45:23
45:23
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45:23There are a number of challenges voice teachers must navigate when considering repertoire selection for their students. In this episode, David speaks to Zipporah Peddle and Paul M. Patinka, who continue to bring our community scholarly research on repertoire selection and its impacts on student learning and growth. Zipporah Peddle's Contact Informa…
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Theresa Brancaccio & Aaron Johnson: The Future of Vocal Dosimetry
47:57
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47:57Today Dr. P and Alice were joined by Prof.s Theresa Brancaccio (Northwestern University) and Aaron Johnson (New York University - Langone) to share about their ongoing efforts developing a wearable, wireless vocal dosimeter. Their partnership with Dr. John Rogers has led to the development of a device that could provide active voice use data to a u…
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Ep. 6 - "One Time, at Summer Camp" with Dr. Everett McCorvey
45:58
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45:58In this episode, David has a far-reaching conversation with his first formal voice teacher, Dr. Everett McCorvey, who has had an accomplished career as a singer, teacher, and conductor. Together, they discuss mentorship, adjusting to the ever-evolving needs of students, vulnerability, and much more. Dr. Everett McCorvey's Contact Information: https…
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Ep. 5 - "Working Within the Window of Tolerance" with Marcia Lesser, SEP
45:25
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45:25In this episode, David explores Dr. Dan Siegel's theory of the Window of Tolerance and Dr. Stephen Porgress' Polyvagal Theory as frameworks for understanding how to keep singers regulated in the voice studio. Special guest Marcia Lesser, SEP offers valuable insights on the Autonomic Nervous System and how we can create learning spaces that are safe…
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Today we were joined by longtime #VocalFam Ian Howell to preview his new book Hearing Singing: A Guide to Functional Listening and Voice Perception. Dr. P has already made a public endorsement of this book, but trust us that this book is both revolutionary and practical. Ian presents a functional framework that can open your ears to listen to all s…
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Ep. 4 - "Teachers & Therapists: Similarities & Differences" with Dr. Ritu Agarwal
45:44
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45:44In this episode, David explores the similarities and differences between teachers and therapists with the help of psychologist Dr. Ritu Agarwal. Together, they discuss how to co-create a safe environment for students and outline the signs when it may be time to refer a student to a licensed therapist. Contact Information for Dr. Ritu Agarwal https:…
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This week we are joined by Joanne Bozeman to share about Hypermobility. What it is, how do symptoms present, and what do singers and singing teachers need to know. Hypermobility is a brand new topic for the pod, and we are excited to share this important topic with the #VocalFam!By VocalFri LLC
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We are joined by longtime #VocalFam Dr. Chadley Ballantyne to tell us about his work with modular units for voice lessons. We've wanted to do this episode for a long time. Chadley's strategies and approaches could help you with burnout, fatigue, and give your teaching the much needed refresh you've been seeking.…
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Ep. 3 - Teacher- vs. Student-Centered Learning" with Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith & Dr. Travis Sherwood
45:05
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45:05In this episode, David highlights the differences between teacher-centered and student-centered learning—a natural off-shoot of his conversation with special guest Justin Petersen in Episode 2. This week, David speaks with Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith (Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University) and Dr. Travis Sherwood (San Diego State University). …
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It's a deep dive into everyone's favorite range: middle voice! C4-C5 can be a wonderful or gnarly journey depending on vowel, style, the weather, or the phase of the moon. Join Prof. Pigott and Dr. P for a serious in-depth, focused pedagogy episode on navigating the choppy waters of the treble staff!…
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Ep. 2 - "The Master-Apprentice Model" with Justin Petersen
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45:50In this episode, David considers the relationship between voice student and voice teacher through the lens of the master-apprentice model. How has this relationship changed over the centuries? How do we view this evolution without judgment? Special guest Justin Petersen brings in-depth, thoughtful context to this conversation. Contact Information f…
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It's our first old school VocalFri of the season. Prof. Pigott and Dr. P were going to discuss middle voice musings, but that is now pushed to Feb. 7. Instead, we got lost in a conversation about our respective pedagogy practicum courses. This led to our first very down to earth practical pedagogic conversation maybe all season. Enjoy your weekend …
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Ep. 1 - "Origin Stories" with Dr. Felix Graham
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44:40Host David Sisco shares three origin stories that inspired him to create this podcast and write Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy: An Integrative Approach to Training Vocal Artists (which will be released by Routledge Press in Summer 2025 ). Special Guest Dr. Felix Graham talks about the power of narratives and how voice teachers can help students overco…
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Join us for a new year as season 8 rolls on! Today we were joined by Seth Killen from Anderson University to talk about new paradigms for voice lesson grading. Seth shared work that he presented last summer at NATS National. He has offered to share this model with the #VocalFam for reference. A perfect conversation as those of us in the academy are…
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It's a Wicked VocalFri Christmas! VocalFri is joined by Dr. P's teenagers who are now musical theater nerds in the truest sense to review Wicked: Part 1. Come enjoy some holiday festivities as you travel to this season. May your holiday season be filled with love, light, and rest. Happy Holidays #VocalFam!…
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#VocalFam we are joined for our Fall Finale with the great Kerrie Obert! Please check out all her wonderful courses from GetVocal-Now.com, including her own course on Breathing. In Kerrie's return episode she shared incredible practical and useful ideas for helping your teaching navigate away from a "one size fits all" model for breathing towards h…
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Dr. P and Prof. Pigott are joined by #VocalFam Dana Lentini as we continue to try be more inclusive in our pedagogy with an episode about teaching kids! Dana is one of the worldwide leaders in teaching singing to children. Go check out her book Teaching the Child Singer, and her new songbook. These are must haves if your studio includes children.…
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We are coming back to Dr. P's original research agenda! Our first in house episode in a few months. Prof. Pigott, Dr. P, and CU grad Benjamin break down some history, research, and the CU team's new directions on Musical Theater treble singing and nasality.By VocalFri LLC
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What a crew!!!! Today we were joined by #VocalFam Theodora Nestorova, Yvonne Redman, John Nix, and Joshua Glasner to drop some knowledge on Vibrato! They have a great NATS Chat last season on this topic and led a pre-conference workshop last summer at NATS that was terrific! If you are interested in that mysterious aspect of singing that is Vibrato…
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VocalFam, Prof. Pigott was out today, but fret not, we had a great panel with International Congress of Voice Teachers' Program Chair Kari Ragan, NATS Executive Director Allen Henderson, and ICVT-Toronto site host Darryl Edwards. We got to hear previews of the many offerings Toronto has to offer as a city, the wonderful plenary sessions, and even g…
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Ken Bozeman: Transformational Pedagogic Concepts
53:51
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53:51Our dear friend Ken Bozeman returns for his 3rd feature episode. Ken has been touring the world discussing pedagogic concepts that have transformed his teaching. Dr. P and Prof. Pigott are so thankful for Ken's mentorship and friendship because many of these concepts also transformed their own teaching. We cover emotive affect, acoustic registratio…
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This week Dr. P and Prof. Pigott were joined by Dr. Luciano Simões in a great episode to bring some international awareness to the #VocalFam. We learn all about his background growing up as a rock singer in Brazil, and how he transitioned from classical baritone to vocal cross-trainer. Lots of wonderful insight into some lesser known (in the U. S. …
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David Juncos and Dana Zenobi: Acceptance and Commitment Training
56:14
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56:14#VocalFam we are in for a treat this week! Prof. Pigott, Dr. P, and the CU TAs were joined by Dr. David Juncos and Dana Zenobi to discuss their research on Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) Administered by Singing Teachers as a Tool for Mananging Music Performance Anxiety. You can read more about this is Dave's book ACT for Musicians. Or for…
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